"Buddhist teachings are about suffering and the end of suffering, and Zen Buddhism, in particular, emphasizes sitting still in the midst of your suffering and just letting go," writes Susan Moon. But there are times when "letting go" can feel like an impossible task.

It has often been pointed out that historically whenever Buddhism has entered a culture, it has not only changed the culture, it has also been changed by it. Lama Surya Das identifies emerging trends of Western Buddhism and offers advice on beginning Dharma practice.

"Amidst the heat and tumult of family life," writes meditation teacher Mushim Ikeda-Nash, "I’ve had to radically redefine what “peace” and “inner peace” mean. In fact, it was my son, when he was around twelve, who helped me figure it out. 'Don’t confuse inner peace with enlightenment,' he said. 'Inner peace is a feeling, but enlightenment is clarity and understanding. It can include inner peace but it is much more.'"

Our lives have many facets, reflecting our professional identity, our spiritual beliefs, our roles in our families, our personal hobbies and interests, and so on. How do we choose to blend or merge these often diverse aspects? Psychology professor and researcher Al Kaszniak shares his own story.